An American Weekend

I've had a chill last few days--

Last Friday I only had one class-Spanish-which is probably my favorite class. The lecturer is hysterical, and it's such a chill class-we sit back, talk about Spanish culture, and laugh. Anyways, before my class, I met a few Americans who play for the USA select basketball team that travels around Europe. They were playing at UL that night, so I told them we'd come out to watch the game and then go to a pub afterwards. It was honestly so refreshing to be able to just sit in the bleachers and watch a good basketball game (although the game really wasn't that good). After the game we went to this really wonderful pizza place, and then out to the Stables for a few drinks. All in all it was a good, chill night... ;)

Saturday, I woke up late (I swear time goes by much faster over here than it does in the states) and had a family lunch with my housemates-our friend Ryan made the most delicious homemade pizza--he made the dough and everything! Then we all got ready and went into the city for the Munster rugby match against Wales. It was pretty spectacular. Thomond park, home of Munster rugby, is an incredible stadium (pictured above), and the atmosphere was great. Rugby is such a funny sport-it's sort of like football, except without pads, and they don't ever stop. No timeouts. No commercial breaks. Even when people get injured, they play around that person. And boy, do people get injured. The first minute hadn't expired before at least 2 people required medics to help them off the field. And get this: the only time the stadium gets quiet is NOT for the injured, but for when somebody kicks a field goal. And when I say quiet, I mean you can literally hear a pin drop. Rugby fans take their field goals very, very seriously. The best part, though, was the freedom to order a cider and watch a sports game with guiltless pleasure. It was great fun.

I spent the better half of Sunday sleeping and studying for my first biochemistry exam. Sunday night we all went out to the movies, which reminded me of home. We saw The Other Guys, with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlburg (did you know he took some guy's eye out when he was little? True story). It was nice to sit in a dark theatre and enjoy mindless entertainment for a few hours-I don't really watch any TV here (we have like 9 channels that are bent on playing The Simpsons and Friends reruns EVERY day), mostly because I'm too busy doing other things.

This week is going to be pretty laid-back--I've been sick, so I'm taking it easy and focusing more on school (and sleep). Things to come:

Biochemistry lab/study-fest-Tuesday

Kayaking on the Shannon River-Wednesday

Guinness's birthday--Thursday

5am flight to London for the weekend-Friday

More to come! As always, here's an Irish blessing to keep you going:

May your day be touched

by a bit of Irish luck,

brightened by a song in your heart

and warmed by the smiles

of the people you love.

Lindsey